In an age of accelerating technological disruption, online poker is evolving from a niche digital pastime into a frontier of innovation, where artificial intelligence (AI), user experience, regulation, and emerging markets collide. What will it look like in 2030? How will players’ expectations, operator demands, and regulatory pressure shape the path forward?
In an interview with SiGMA News, Baard Dahl, iPoker Network Director at Playtech, explored how AI is doing more than simply speeding up development. Dahl detailed how the technology is becoming central to fraud detection, behavioural analysis, and intelligent personalisation. Dahl also explained how mobile-first and gamified interfaces are redefining what “good” user experience (UX) means in poker, especially for younger, socially driven audiences. He also shared insights on regulation, crypto adoption, and whether the poker industry can or should borrow from esports.
AI, fair play, and the future of integrity
SiGMA News: AI is increasingly shaping player experiences, how do you see it redefining online poker in the coming years, from personalisation to fraud detection?
Baard Dahl, iPoker Network Director at Playtech: There are two aspects to consider. One is how AI shapes the daily poker experience for players, mainly through improvements in user interface and the other is user experience. Developers use AI to produce code faster, allowing them to roll out new features and respond to player feedback more quickly. That’s always a good thing, as it helps us adapt to new trends faster than before.
The main roadblock is that regulators don’t move as quickly when it comes to approving new features. So, while AI may make development more efficient, it won’t necessarily speed up the overall process.
For poker players, the main concern about AI is its potential use in making decisions at the table. That’s a legitimate concern, but any serious poker operator should have a strong game integrity team to handle these issues. It’s impossible to catch every player using AI, but it’s feasible to do enough detection that most see the risk as not worth taking.
Moreover, as AI becomes better at playing poker, it doesn’t necessarily become harder to detect AI users. My usual comparison is that it’s not harder to catch a Lamborghini speeding than it is to catch a Renault Clio, you still get caught speeding; it’s just a more comfortable ride. In the end, players shouldn’t worry too much about AI being too good.
Designing for the next generation
SiGMA News: How should the poker industry evolve UX and features to support mobile-first, cross-device play, especially to satisfy Gen Z’s demand for instant, socially engaging experiences?
Dahl: The poker industry is evolving its user experience to support mobile-first, cross-device play by emphasising gamified, visually engaging interfaces that move away from the traditional spreadsheet-style poker clients. Modern poker platforms now feature widget-based designs that deliver a consistent experience across native mobile apps and HTML5 web clients, ensuring seamless play on any device.
Gamification has become a core focus, with the introduction of animated avatars, personalisation options, and interactive elements that enhance engagement and make the experience more dynamic. This design approach appeals not only to Gen Z’s demand for instant, socially engaging gameplay but also resonates with players of all ages who value a more immersive environment.
New desktop clients for Windows and Mac extend this mobile-first philosophy, maintaining consistent usability and design while offering operators greater flexibility to guide player attention and integrate engaging, customisable features across platforms.
SiGMA News: Immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are often hyped as the “next big thing.” From a practical perspective, are players ready to embrace poker in virtual environments?
“I would imagine that soon you’ll have glasses that work like regular reading glasses, and you can just say turn on, and they become AR glasses.”
– Baard Dahl, iPoker Network Director at Playtech
Dahl: The issue is the reach, how many people actually want to sit down with that big headset and play poker. But for those who do, it’s a very good experience. One can talk to the other players at the table, see their avatars, shuffle your chips, flip your cards, or even throw your cards at your neighbour. Perhaps with the new AR glasses coming, it will be easier to play poker in this kind of setting. I imagine that soon you’ll have glasses that work like regular reading glasses, and you can just say “turn on,” and they become AR glasses. Then it’s easier, you don’t need to dig out the headset, realise it’s uncharged, or deal with all that hassle.
Regulation, crypto and poker
SiGMA News: Regulation is tightening globally with more emphasis on responsible gaming. What role can technology play in balancing compliance and user freedom?
Dahl: Technology can play a crucial role in balancing compliance and user freedom in gaming. AI, for example, can be highly effective in detecting problematic behaviour among players. Early identification of at-risk players allows for targeted interventions, reducing the need for blanket measures such as universally low deposit limits or strict restrictions on playtime. This approach enables responsible players to enjoy greater freedom while ensuring protection for those who may develop issues.
Regulation is necessary and beneficial, but compliance can be challenging when certain requirements are imposed without a full understanding of the industry. Additionally, the burden of regulatory fees can be compounded if unlicensed operators continue to operate freely, undermining licensed businesses. Effective regulation should not only protect consumers but also ensure a level playing field by preventing unlicensed operators from capturing market share.
The primary challenge lies not in regulation itself but in the competitive disadvantage that compliance can create. A balanced approach, supported by technology, can enhance responsible gaming while allowing legitimate operators to operate fairly and efficiently.
SiGMA News: Emerging markets in Asia and Latin America are growing rapidly. How should poker operators adapt products and strategies for diverse player bases?
Dahl: For emerging markets in Latin America and Asia, adaptation begins with partnerships with local operators. Poker platforms can be integrated with these operators, allowing games to be offered directly to their player base. Product adaptations may include scheduling tournaments in local time zones, tailoring network promotions to regional preferences, and running qualification events for live tournaments in those areas. Local partners are best positioned to handle marketing and player engagement, as they have a deeper understanding of the cultural and regional nuances of their markets.
SiGMA News: Esports and interactive formats are booming. Does poker need to evolve its entertainment value to compete with these digital pastimes?
Dahl: Poker has explored esports-style formats in the past, but widespread success has been limited. There may be potential to develop a format that resonates within the esports or interactive gaming space, though the optimal approach remains uncertain. Innovations in live gaming, such as studios where players can engage with live dealers remotely, demonstrate the potential for immersive experiences. Similar concepts could be adapted for poker to enhance its entertainment value and appeal to digital audiences, though experimentation and market response will ultimately determine what succeeds.
SiGMA News: Looking ahead to 2030, what single technology or trend will have the biggest long-term impact on online poker?
Dahl: Predicting the single technology or trend that will have the biggest impact on online poker by 2030 is challenging due to the fast pace of change. Cryptocurrency stands out as a significant factor, providing operators with the ability to reach players in markets that might otherwise be inaccessible. However, many of these markets are unregulated, raising questions about player protection and the implications of operating in black or grey markets.
“Crypto is definitely the one that has the opportunity to grow the game to more players.”
– Baard Dahl, iPoker Network Director at Playtech
Beyond crypto, poker has shown that players tend to favour familiar games such as Hold’em, which are easy to understand and play. Efforts to introduce new poker variants often struggle to gain traction, even when the games themselves are well-designed. Innovations like Spin & Go tournaments or lottery Sit & Go formats have found lasting popularity, but there is no clear indication of the next breakthrough game at present.
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